Live session videos can either be an effective introduction to a band’s aesthetic or an exercise in overindulgence; the line separating the two is quite thin. Luckily for us, today’s premiere doesn’t skirt the line as much as it stays away from it entirely, planting itself firmly in the former territory. FRACHILD are a self-described alternative/indie band from Vienna, Austria, four fragile children (hence the band name) looking to use their music to work through personal struggles in a spirit of acceptance and collective effort. Fans of boygenius, Daughter, and Emma Ruth Rundle – keep reading!
It’s not the instruments that are the stars of the show with FRACHILD; guitars, bass, keyboards, cello, and sparing percussion take a decided backseat to the three voices mingling in beautiful harmony. Rosa Jaskulski, Claudia Otylia Muscher, and Leonie Scheffner singing together produces a wonderfully ethereal effect. Bassist/percussionist Christoph Kerschhackel appears to be the only non-vocalist in the quartet, but that’s less of a critique and more of an observation.
“24 Ribs” gently plods along, carrying themes like guilt, losing oneself, and perseverance in face of those burdens. Shot by Julia Schwarzer, the live session for the song was produced quite empathetically, without resorting to flashy imagery. One white room, four band members, and their instruments: that’s all we see throughout the video. Starting on the dramatic shot of a light-flooded window, the camera then restrains itself to moving between the four FRACHILD musicians as they offer a heartfelt rendition of their second ever single.
Yes, you read that correctly: “24 Ribs” is only the second single they ever released, having come together as a band three years ago. And yet, it already offers a largely realized vision of what FRACHILD seek to bring to the table as a unit. A strong resolve carries the melancholy backbone of their music, making for a delicate but headstrong sound.
Without further ado, enjoy the live session video for “24 Ribs” below:
If you liked what you heard above, you might want to follow FRACHILD on social media (Facebook | Instagram) to stay up to date with their unfolding story. You can also check out their first single, as well as the studio version of “24 Ribs”, on Spotify.
Images courtesy of Julia Schwarzer
